American automaker Aptera continues to make progress in its solar electric vehicle development. Despite being tight-lipped in the past year, the company remains dedicated to bringing its cutting-edge solar electric vehicle (SEV) into production.
The Aptera SEV appears ready to hit the production lines, based on recent videos shared on YouTube.
Aptera obtained the solar EV’s first production body
Aptera proudly announced in a press release that it obtained the first production body of its solar EV. The unit, built by the CPC Group, came all the way from Italy to its headquarters in San Diego.
This significant progress enabled Aptera’s team to finalize and refine the design of the SEV ahead of production-ready nuilds.
Therefore, the company’s three-wheeler SEV is now only one step away from entering production. Aptera may soon build some of the 40,000+ reservations the SEV has received so far.
Aptera delayed the SEV’s first customer deliveries until 2024. However, a lack of capital may drive the company to delay deliveries again.
Aptera’s cutting-edge design
AirShaper Founder Wouter Remmerie recently went to Aptera headquarters in San Diego. For context, Aptera uses the AirShaper aerodynamic simulation and analysis tool to refine the SEV’s three-wheeler shape.
It works as a virtual wind tunnel, which helps Aptera to make the SEV as slippery as possible, even without using an actual wind tunnel. It cuts the process costs and time and allows the company to scan and validate the final design through the wind tunnel.
AirShaper released a video on the streaming platform YouTube on April 16. It featured one of the company’s working prototypes and remarks from Aptera Chief Executive/Co-Founder Chris Anthony.
CEO Anthony outlined that they developed the SEV’s three-wheeler body to look more like a helicopter than a standard car. In fact, it boasts an extremely low drag coefficient of 0.13.
Power, Performance, and Charging
AirShaper also showcased the Aptera prototype’s driving performance. AirShaper Founder Wouter praised the SEV’s flat, sporty feel while driving through the corners.
Meanwhile, the Aptera representative who accompanied the AirShaper boss asserted his willingness to have the SEV as his daily vehicle. However, he prefers it to have an air conditioning system.
Presented below are the key specifications of the Aptera Launch Edition:
| Aptera SEV | Key Specs |
| Range | 400 miles (643 km) |
| Drag Coefficient | 0.13 |
| Body | Ultra-light/strong composite BinC |
| Motor | 3 in-wheel All-wheel (3-wheel) |
| Drive | 4 seconds |
| 0-60 mph | 101 mph (162.5 kph) 2 |
| Top Speed | 2 |
| Seating | occupant |
| Airbag | 400 miles (643 km) |
| Solar Charge Per Day | Up to 40 miles (64 km) |
| Solar Yield Per Year | Up to 11,000 miles (17702.78 km) |
| Onboard Charger | 40 – 60 kW |
| Vehicle Charge Port | NACS |
| 110V Charging Speed | 13 miles per hour |
| 240V Charging Speed | 57 miles per hour |
| DC Fast Charging Speed | 400 – 600 miles per hour C |
Once the company starts road testing, we may finally see a production-ready Aptera SEV. For now, interested buyers can still reserve a unit for a $70 down payment.
You can watch the full video content from AirShaper below:
